“Games as Porn” bill still a no go in Utah

You all know about what “outsiders” say about our precious videogames and platforms: They are portals of violence and pornography. In some areas, this issue is being fought quite ferociously, but for Utah, we guess it went full swing when one of their kids unwittingly had a porn-popping incident with the X360 version of Madden NFL 07.

Aside from the usual lobbying and mass actions, representatives and cause-oriented groups have been pushing for what is popularly known as “Games as Porn” bill. Unfortunately for them, the state House committee of Utah has voted to hold the said infamous legislation for the third time the other day. Their reason is good ol’ freedom of speech.

Anyway, the original bill tried to amend an existing law that prevents the sale of pornography to minors by labelling violent titles as obscene. It was approved by the House of Representatives but as we’ve mentioned, it never got past the House level. Central Utah newspaper The Daily Herald was able to talk with Republican Kay McIff. McIff had this to say:

I am concerned, when all the legal experts, including our own attorney general as well as the sponsor, tell us that the bill is likely to fail in a constitutional challenge. One where we cannot control the amount we spend, because we spend our side and then we are potentially obliged to spend the legal costs of the other side.

Lastly, McIff mentioned that she is planning to draft a substitute bill to replace the original. Her strategy is to call for a House Resolution directing the attorney general to file a “friend of court” notice on behalf of other states currently attempting to introduce anti-game legislation. According to her, this is the most cost-effective action in terms of money and time.

Well, the last time we looked, we are all still under one constitution and freedom of speech is still in its shrine, shining bright and unbreakable. But then again…

You all know about what “outsiders” say about our precious videogames and platforms: They are portals of violence and pornography. In some areas, this issue is being fought quite ferociously, but for Utah, we guess it went full swing when one of their kids unwittingly had a porn-popping incident with the X360 version of Madden NFL 07.

Aside from the usual lobbying and mass actions, representatives and cause-oriented groups have been pushing for what is popularly known as “Games as Porn” bill. Unfortunately for them, the state House committee of Utah has voted to hold the said infamous legislation for the third time the other day. Their reason is good ol’ freedom of speech.

Anyway, the original bill tried to amend an existing law that prevents the sale of pornography to minors by labelling violent titles as obscene. It was approved by the House of Representatives but as we’ve mentioned, it never got past the House level. Central Utah newspaper The Daily Herald was able to talk with Republican Kay McIff. McIff had this to say:

I am concerned, when all the legal experts, including our own attorney general as well as the sponsor, tell us that the bill is likely to fail in a constitutional challenge. One where we cannot control the amount we spend, because we spend our side and then we are potentially obliged to spend the legal costs of the other side.

Lastly, McIff mentioned that she is planning to draft a substitute bill to replace the original. Her strategy is to call for a House Resolution directing the attorney general to file a “friend of court” notice on behalf of other states currently attempting to introduce anti-game legislation. According to her, this is the most cost-effective action in terms of money and time.

Well, the last time we looked, we are all still under one constitution and freedom of speech is still in its shrine, shining bright and unbreakable. But then again…